Socialist Programs Make America Livable

As a middle-class American, I often find myself caught between two competing worldviews: the belief in the meritocracy of capitalism, and the conviction that socialism is the key to a more equitable and just society. After much contemplation and reflection, I have come to the conclusion that socialist practices are the best way to support and uplift the middle class.

To support this position, I turn to the writings of Paulo Freire and Jonathan Kozol, two influential and thought-provoking educators who have dedicated their lives to advocating for social justice and equality. Freire, in his groundbreaking work “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” argues that traditional models of education, which emphasize individual competition and the pursuit of personal success, are inherently oppressive and alienating. Instead, he advocates for a pedagogy of liberation, which focuses on the collective empowerment of students and the construction of a more equitable and just society.

Kozol, in his book “Savage Inequalities,” similarly argues that the current system of education in America is fundamentally unjust and unequal. He documents the stark disparities in funding, resources, and opportunities between wealthy and poor schools, and exposes the devastating consequences of these inequalities for students and communities. Like Freire, Kozol calls for a radical rethinking…